Melk Historical

In about 1,200 years of history we get from the castle of Melk - on today's Stiftsfelsen - from Carolingian times to the construction of the flood protection in 2014 through partly stormy, partly calmer times of the town on the Stiftsfelsen.

We begin with the first documented mention in 831. Avars and Romans roamed the area. The Babenbergs moved their residence to the Burgberg. This was handed over to Benedictine monks in 1113.

The further development of the town was reflected in the growth of the settlement, the confirmation of market rights and the granting of a coat of arms in 1256.

Melk became a toll and customs station and the center of several guilds. However, disputes within the House of Habsburg and the invasion of the Hungarians had negative consequences for the market. The construction of the wall around the town can probably also be traced back to the uncertain times of war.

The general insecurity now resulted from religious causes. The Protestant movement also spread to Melk and had threatening consequences for the monastery, which did not remain without effects on the market. In addition, there was the constant danger from the Turks.

The dawn of the Baroque era with the huge building project in the monastery in the first half of the 18th century again brought economic prosperity to the market. A severe setback followed due to the Napoleonic wars.

Around the middle of the 19th century the general situation of the market was frightening: Melk suffered from the consequences of the terrible fire catastrophe.

Two decades later, a general awakening followed. The town rose like a "phoenix from the ashes". With the construction of the Empress Elisabeth Railway, the demolition of the entire town enclosure, the market was opened up spatially and economically. Public buildings were erected, such as the hospital, the district administration, the district court, the barracks. Private building activity also flourished.

The logical consequence of the upward development was the elevation of the market to a town in 1898.

The Red Thread
If you want to learn more about the history of Melk, go on a walk through the town with an old Melk original. Via audio guide you will learn important facts that have made Melk the place worth living and visiting that it is today.